Do You Get Extra Money For Limited Capability For Work?

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If you find it hard to work due to illness or disability, you could:

  • receive a higher amount of Universal Credit
  • be exempt from job searching while receiving Universal Credit

Should the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) acknowledge that you are unable to work, they will assess whether you can prepare for future employment. Let’s know do you get extra money for limited capability for work:

Do you get extra money for limited capability for work

They will classify you as having ‘limited capability for work’ (LCW).

This means you do not need to search for a job. However, you may need to complete certain activities to prepare for work in the future, such as participating in training or creating a resume.

Typically, you will not receive additional money for having LCW.

If the DWP determines you are not able to prepare for work

They will note that you have ‘limited capability for work-related activity’ (LCWRA).

You will not be required to work or perform any tasks to prepare for work. You will generally receive an additional £416.19 each month.

Normally, you start receiving this extra amount after 3 months. However, in certain cases, you might receive it immediately, such as:

  • If you have a terminal illness and your doctor indicates you may have less than a year to live
  • If you are awarded the new style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with either a support or work-related activity part

For a complete list of reasons that could qualify you for early additional payments, look under the section titled ‘If you’re sick or disabled’. It is also a good idea to speak with an adviser.

If you are currently meeting some work-related obligations, the DWP may allow you to stop them sooner than the usual three months.

If you are transitioning to Universal Credit from previous benefits:

Universal Credit is taking the place of six older benefits, known as ‘legacy benefits.’ These include:

  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credits (WTC)
  • Child Tax Credits (CTC)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Housing Benefit

You may need to switch to Universal Credit if changes occur in your life, such as ending a relationship with your partner or relocating to a new local council area.

Additionally, you may be required to switch to Universal Credit if the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sends you a letter instructing you to apply for it by a specified date. This letter is known as a ‘migration notice.’

Even if these situations have not arisen, you have the option to switch to Universal Credit, but it is crucial to consider this decision carefully. When you apply for Universal Credit:

  • Any existing legacy benefits you receive will be terminated
  • you will not have the option to return to any of the legacy benefits in the future, even if you are challenging a benefit decision

If you were receiving a benefit with a severe disability premium (SDP)

  • You might be eligible for an additional amount in your Universal Credit if you were previously receiving a benefit with an SDP or if you recently stopped receiving it.

What you need to do depends on whether you have received a migration notice

New Claim:

  • If you are making a new claim for Universal Credit, use the application form to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about your disability or health condition.
  • Explain how your disability or condition makes it challenging for you to work.

Already Receiving Universal Credit: If you are already receiving Universal Credit, you can:

  • Use the ‘Report a change of circumstances’ tab on your online account.
  • Call the Universal Credit helpline to notify them of your situation.

Get a medical note

You need to provide the DWP with a medical note from a healthcare provider. This note verifies your health condition or disability for the DWP.

You can get this medical note from:

  • Your family doctor or any other physician
  • A licensed nurse
  • A pharmacist
  • An occupational therapist
  • A physiotherapist

Your medical note might be on paper or in electronic form. If you are uncertain about which type you will receive or how to get it, ask your healthcare provider.

Make sure a healthcare provider has signed your paper medical note.

Ensure your electronic medical note includes the name of the healthcare provider.

If the healthcare provider has not signed your paper note or included their name on the electronic one, the DWP may not accept it, and you may need to obtain another one.

Always keep your medical notes safe. If you lose or delete it, you may be charged for a replacement.

It is smart to add your medical note to your online account. If it is a paper note, snap a picture to upload it. If you are unable to upload the note, leave a note in your journal to inform the DWP of the issue.

Some Questions

What is LCW?

LCW means ‘limited capability for work.’ If you have LCW, you do not need to look for work but might do tasks like training or writing a CV.

What is LCWRA?

LCWRA stands for ‘limited capability for work-related activity.’ With LCWRA, you do not have to work or prepare for work and usually get extra money each month.

How much extra do I get with LCWRA?

You typically receive an additional £416.19 per month with LCWRA.

How do I show I have LCW or LCWRA?

When applying or already on Universal Credit, report your condition online or call the helpline. You will also need a ‘fit note’ from your doctor.

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